Sonia launches Rohtang tunnel work

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday laid the foundation stone for the world's longest tunnel at an altitude of over 13,300 feet under the Rohtang Pass which, when completed, will ensure year-round accessibility to Lahaul and Spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh.

Gandhi initiated the excavation work by operating an excavator near the southern portal of what will be an 8.8 km long tunnel in Dhundi, 25 km from Manali.

She also lifted the curtain from a black granite tablet on which the inscription reads: "Foundation stone of Rohtang Tunnel laid by National Advisory Council Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on June 28, 2010."